WebLog Journal of Hepatology

Neonatal biliary ascites is a rare but important cause of progressive abdominal distension in early infancy. Diagnosis is often delayed because jaundice may be mild and stool color may remain normal. We report a term neonate presenting with increasing abdominal distention simulating bowel obstruction and respiratory compromise secondary to massive biliary ascites. Ultrasound demonstrated large-volume free fluid without biliary duct dilatation. Diagnostic paracentesis confirmed bile-stained…